Long Shadows Julias Dazzle Rose 2023

Long Shadows Julia's Dazzle Rosé 2023 is a Columbia Valley rosé made from 100% Pinot Gris at 13.4% ABV in a standard 750ml bottle. Critic Owen Bargreen awarded this vintage 93 points, and Wine Enthusiast recognized it with a "Best Buy" designation — a strong endorsement for a Washington rosé built on Provençal winemaking instincts.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.4%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Vintage: 2023  |  Producer: Long Shadows Vintners

Production & Heritage

Long Shadows Vintners was founded by Allen Shoup in Walla Walla, Washington, with a roster of internationally acclaimed winemakers each responsible for a single wine. Julia's Dazzle is the creation of Gilles Nicault, who developed his winemaking skills in Provence, France — the global epicenter of rosé production. For this cuvée, Nicault selected a dedicated block of Pinot Gris, gave it extended hang time on the vine to develop a bright natural tint, then fermented slowly in stainless steel to preserve freshness and aromatics. A small addition of 2% Sangiovese rounds out the pale salmon color without altering the wine's Pinot Gris-driven character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fragrant orange blossom and ripe strawberry before shifting into guava and peach. Estery floral notes and pink grapefruit lift from the glass with each swirl.

Taste: On entry, bright strawberry and kiwi lead into a rich, mineral-laden mid-palate layered with cantaloupe and honey-coated almond. Ripe melon and damp earth flavors emerge alongside a tangy nectarine note, all framed by racy acidity that keeps the wine taut and focused.

Finish: The finish is clean and refreshing with lingering red fruit and a subtle mineral undertone. Acidity carries through to the close, leaving a crisp, mouthwatering impression.

How to Drink Julia's Dazzle

This rosé is at its best well-chilled, poured straight from the bottle into a wide-bowled glass that lets the aromatics open fully. It also works as an exceptional cocktail base: try it in a Frosé, where its bright fruit and acidity hold up beautifully when frozen and blended; in a Rosé Spritz topped with sparkling water and a grapefruit twist, playing off its citrus notes; or in an Aperol Spritz variation replacing prosecco, where its melon and strawberry complexity adds more depth than a standard sparkling wine.

Best For

• Summer entertaining and outdoor dinner parties
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates Washington State's growing reputation
• Pairing alongside a weekend seafood spread or charcuterie board
• Introducing Pinot Gris-based rosé to friends familiar only with Provence styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Julia's Dazzle taste like? It leads with fresh strawberry and kiwi, moves into ripe cantaloupe and mineral-rich mid-palate flavors, and finishes with crisp, racy acidity. Subtle notes of honey-coated almond and nectarine add complexity without heaviness.

How does Julia's Dazzle compare to a classic Provence rosé? While Provence rosé typically relies on Grenache and Cinsault for its character, Julia's Dazzle is built entirely on Pinot Gris with 2% Sangiovese — delivering richer tropical fruit and melon notes alongside the expected minerality. Winemaker Gilles Nicault trained in Provence, so the dry, food-friendly structure is familiar, but the Columbia Valley fruit gives this wine a distinctly bolder aromatic profile.

Is Julia's Dazzle good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its balance of ripe fruit, bright acidity, and clean mineral finish makes it an easy standalone sipper, especially when well-chilled on a warm day.

Where is Julia's Dazzle made? Julia's Dazzle is produced by Long Shadows Vintners in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington State. Winemaker Gilles Nicault, originally trained in Provence, France, oversees production using Pinot Gris sourced from dedicated vineyard blocks within the appellation.

What foods pair well with Julia's Dazzle? Grilled shrimp or prawns complement its citrus and mineral notes. A goat cheese and watermelon salad mirrors the wine's fresh, fruit-forward profile. Seared ahi tuna benefits from the wine's racy acidity. Prosciutto-wrapped melon echoes its cantaloupe flavors, and Thai green papaya salad finds balance with the wine's ripe fruit and structure.

What sizes does Julia's Dazzle come in? Julia's Dazzle Rosé is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Julia's Dazzle worth the price? Wine Enthusiast's "Best Buy" designation confirms that this wine delivers quality above its price tier. With 93 points from Owen Bargreen and limited-production winemaking by a Provence-trained vintner, it positions as a strong value within the premium domestic rosé category.

Why Julia's Dazzle?

Few domestic rosés carry the pedigree of a Provence-trained winemaker working with intentionally selected, extended-hang-time Pinot Gris in one of Washington's most dynamic growing regions. Owen Bargreen's 93-point score and Wine Enthusiast's "Best Buy" distinction signal that this is not a throwaway pink wine but a seriously crafted expression. The 2% Sangiovese addition is a precise stylistic choice — just enough to establish color without diluting the Pinot Gris character that defines the wine. For those seeking a rosé with genuine complexity and verifiable critical backing, Julia's Dazzle stands apart from the category's crowded middle ground.